Hair Serum Formula for Hair Loss, Growth, and Dandruff

Thank you for sharing your hair serum formula. It's a good starting point for addressing hair loss, promoting growth, and managing dandruff on an oily scalp while aiming for a non-greasy feel.

Let's review the ingredients you've included:

• Sandal Pentanol (Sandalore) 5%: While some studies suggest Sandalore may have potential for hair growth by interacting with olfactory receptors in hair follicles, its primary use is often as a fragrance component. At 5%, it's a significant amount. If you are using a specific active form intended for hair growth, this concentration might be appropriate.
• Slim-Coffee™ (Caffeine) 5%: Caffeine is well-known for its ability to stimulate hair growth by counteracting DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss. Using Encapsulated Caffeine (50% active) at 5% provides 2.5% active caffeine, which is a suitable concentration for a scalp treatment to help reduce hair loss and promote growth.
• Zinc PCA 1%: This is an excellent ingredient for your concerns. Zinc PCA helps regulate oil production on the scalp, which is beneficial for your slightly oily condition. It is also effective in reducing dandruff and can help minimize hair loss associated with oily scalp issues. The 1% concentration is appropriate for these benefits.
• Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3 / Niacinamide) 2%: Vitamin B3 can help reduce scalp oiliness and improve blood circulation, which may support hair follicle health and growth. It also offers general skin barrier benefits. The 2% concentration is suitable.
• Biotin Express™ 1%: Biotin is crucial for healthy hair growth and strength, helping to reduce shedding. To maximize Biotin's effectiveness, especially if using Pure-Biotin powder (which Biotin Express is a 10% liquid version of), consider adding Urea to your formula at 3-7%. Urea helps improve the penetration of Biotin into the scalp. If adding Urea, include Triacetin at about 10% of the Urea amount to help stabilize the pH. The current 1% Biotin Express provides 0.1% active Biotin, which is the lower end of the recommended range for the powder form (0.1-0.2%). You could consider slightly increasing the Biotin Express concentration if you are not adding Urea.
• Phenoxyethanol 1%: This is a standard preservative used at an appropriate concentration to ensure the stability and safety of your serum.
• Dimethicone 1Secs 20%: This fast-evaporating silicone is a good choice for achieving a non-sticky, lightweight feel, which is one of your key requirements. The 20% concentration will contribute significantly to the desired texture without making the hair feel oily.
• Flora Solve Clear 2%: This solubilizer is suitable for incorporating the 1% fragrance into your water-based serum, ensuring clarity and stability.
• Fragrance 1%: For scent.

Recommendations for Improvement:

To potentially enhance hair growth efficacy:

• Consider adding Urea (3-7%) and Triacetin (0.3-0.7%) to improve Biotin delivery.
• Alternatively, slightly increase Biotin Express™ if you prefer not to add Urea, though Urea is recommended for better penetration.

Your current formula already includes effective ingredients for dandruff (Zinc PCA) and managing oiliness (Zinc PCA, Safe-B3). The combination of Dimethicone 1Secs and Flora Solve Clear should help achieve the desired non-greasy texture.

Mixing Instructions:

Your proposed mixing steps are generally correct for incorporating these ingredients:

1. Combine the water-soluble ingredients (Sandal Pentanol, Slim-Coffee™, Zinc PCA, Safe-B3™, Biotin Express™, Phenoxyethanol) in the distilled water. Stir until fully dissolved.
2. In a separate container, mix Dimethicone 1Secs and Flora Solve Clear. Ensure they are well combined.
3. Slowly add the Dimethicone/Flora Solve Clear mixture to the water phase from step 1 while stirring continuously. If cloudiness occurs, you may need to slightly increase the Flora Solve Clear concentration to ensure the Dimethicone is fully solubilized.
4. Add the fragrance and stir to combine.

Ensure all ingredients are fully dissolved or dispersed at each step for a clear and stable serum.